Zac Forever Young

Hi. This is my youngest son Zac.

He was 19 years old when he completed suicide on a lovely sunny day on 20 February 2012. I could go on and on about the full 19 years of his life with us, but none of the words would do him justice. I was just thinking this morning, where do I even start to pinpoint the best and worst moments and then there it was... something so small and insignificant... yet everything and nothing…

He was about about 8 years old. I was taking a nap on the couch while my two sons were playing and goofing around on the floor. In my half sleep, I felt him… he leaned up onto the couch and breathed ‘I love you mum’ on my face and kissed me ever so gently on the lips so as not to wake me. I pretended to stay asleep. I can still feel his breath… his love… the most subtle gesture… warning of something catastrophic to come.

For me, fundraising for GUMBOOT FRIDAY represents and honours Zac and thousands of others who couldn't find a way out. And not just them, but the aftermath that lies in its wake for so many whanau and connections. It offers hope where there is none. It’s too late to save Zac but not too late to save just one more person.

Please DONATE. Every single cent counts.

Zac’s mum. Sarena